Queen wants to meet Mr.Prodi

"I see that Romano Prodi has weighed in on the veils debate , more or less supporting
'Call Me Tony'" said the Press Secretary trying to suppress a yawn as he was becoming bored with the whole issue.

"That reminds me" said the Queen looking down at her rough hands "we should try and fix a meeting with Mr. Proddi soon, now that has government has lasted the whole summer".

"Now, said the Press Secretary briskly, "the first thing is to get his name right"

"It's Romano PRODDI", said the Queen testily.

"No, it is not- Proddi with a double 'D' reminds me of my childhood when we had to attend a Protestant school in the slums of Cork and the Catholic children mocked us singing,
'Proddy Woddy Green gut, falling down the stairs', can't remember the rest"

"And what did you reply ?" asked the Queen

"Catty Watty going to Mass, riding on the devil's ass"

They all had a good laugh and the Press Secretary said

"Now let us get his name right- I know loads of English people who call him Proddi - the correct pronunciation is PRODI with a long 'O'- rhymes with DODI".

As soon as he said it he could have bitten off his tongue and the Queen shot him a dirty look.

"Well...... try TOADIE" that should help you remember it.

"But it is not a very nice association , is it ?" the Queen replied frostily.

"Try ROADIE then" the Press Secretary said a little desperately.

"And what, may I ask is a roadie?"

"Oh, the guy who sets up the transport of equipment for rock groups" said the Press Secretary breezily.

"All right then, roadie will have to do, Mr. Romano Roadie"

"No, Mr. Romano PRODI !"

"Elocution lesson over, I hope" sneered PC and then exclaimed

"Up-Helly -O"!!

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